And the Bride Wore White by Dannah Gresh~ Review by Michelle Pell

You will love how Dannah Gresh tackles the tough issues of physical and emotional purity in her newly-updated version of "And The Bride Wore White." Dannah uses pages from her own journals, testimonies of real-life success stories, and celebrity interviews to bring to you the "7 Secrets to Sexual Purity." Not only does the author give practical ways to maintain your purity commitment, she presents lies the devil will throw at you and she teaches you how to defend yourself against his lies. Aside from the cute cover and stylishly-designed inside, Dannah uses her God- given talent to teach girls about their true value, encourage them to speak boldly, and equip them for tough situations.

Every teen girl should read this book and join the thousands who've learned and embraced the "how to wait" skills.

Masquerade by Nancy Moser~ Review by Michelle Pell

Have you ever wished your life was different? Charlotte Gleason does. Even though she lives a privledged English lifestyle, she is bored by the endless parties and meaningless flirting.

When her parents arranged for her to marry a wealthy American business man, and ship her away to the states, that is the last straw in Charlotte's eyes. On the boat to America, Charlotte, or Lottie for short, thinks of an absurd idea: what if her traveling companion and lady's maid, Dora, poses in her place? Her future fiance has never seen her, and neither him nor his family would ever know the difference. If they were to switch places, Lottie would get the adventure she longs for, and Dora would be able to experience a life of glamour and riches.

But considering all the lies and deception required to make their plan work, will either Lottie or Dora ever be comfortable to be themselves? Will they ever realize that true love only flourishes in honesty and trust?

Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury~ Review by Michelle Pell

Brad Cutler’s life is finally falling into place. He’s about to marry the girl of his dreams and he’s climbing the corporate ladder at his Manhattan ad agency. Anyone would say that Brad has the fairy tale life, but on the inside Brad is falling apart.

A decision he made ten years ago has come back to haunt him. As memories of his high-school girlfriend and innocence lost come flooding back, Brad can no longer be sure of his future. All he knows is that before he can start the next chapter of his life with his fiancée, Laura, he must attempt to repair his heart. He knows the only place to find healing is to return to Holden Beach in search of his first love and search for forgiveness both of them need, but neither has ever known.

Will the repercussions of what happened long ago tear Brad and Laura apart? Or will the healing and forgiveness Emma, Brad and Laura need, give them a freedom to live the rest of their lives in peace?

Read the first chapter: http://www.scribd.com/doc/21356828/Shades-of-Blue-by-Karen-Kingsbury-Chapter-1

Watch the Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYyuYSNBCMY

Lady in Waiting by Jackie Kendall & Debby Jones ~ A Book Review by Michelle Pell

Lady in Waiting ~ Jackie Kendall & Debby Jones

Becoming God’s Best While Waiting for Mr. Right

*Expanded Edition: Includes Journal and Study Guide

5 out of 5 Stars

Original Text:  Waiting for God’s best can be hard, but if your single days are spent preparing for the day you will marry, they can be some of the best years of your life. Using the story of Ruth in the Bible, authors Jackie Kendall and Debby Jones present practical advice about becoming ladies of reckless abandonment to our Savior, diligence, faith, virtue, devotion, purity, security, contentment, conviction, and patience. But obtaining all these virtues may seem overwhelming. That is why the authors depicted how to put each one of these virtues into practice through Ruth’s amazing story. This book opened my eyes to the amazing woman of God Ruth really was. I learned about her commitment to her mother-in-law, her diligent service, her faith in God, and her pure attitude toward the opposite gender.

Study Guide: In the back of the “Expanded Edition” is a powerful study guide. It takes each chapter and gives scripture references along with thought-provoking questions to help you dig deeper into the Book of Ruth and the rest of God’s word. Purchasing the “Expanded Edition” is worth it just for this aspect.

Forty-Day Meditational Journal: “The purpose of the meditational journal,” say the authors, “is to introduce you to a fresh and exciting way of enhancing your personal life and enriching your spiritual journey.”

My Favorite Author~ Hogan Stevens

A couple of weeks ago, I received a new book in the mail, a book I had been anxiously awaiting for what seemed like forever. It was the first of a new series, and yet it was the ninth book in an epic storyline that spanned over three series, all by the same author: Bryan Davis.

Years ago, when I was about 12 or so, I read my first book by Davis, and I immediately fell in love. It was Raising Dragons, the first in a four book series. I've always had a love for adventure type stories that include some fantasy elements, but usually those type of books are a bit harder to find in the Christian section. At least, it's hard to find any that are actually good.

Well, as soon as I got my hands on that first Bryan Davis book, I could hardly put it down. It had just the right amount of adventure, packed full with ancient secrets and tales told by dragons. Yes, that's right! Dragons. And the awesome part is that all of his books show a great amount of Christian ideals.

The first series--the Dragons in Our Midst series--centers around Billy Bannister, a young man whose life is turned upside down when he discovers that he possesses dragon genes, and Bonnie Silver, a lovely girl who loves God with all of her heart and hides a strange secret from those who wish to hurt her. She and Billy meet in the first book and come to understand that they have a lot in common--because his father and her mother used to be dragons centuries ago, Billy and Bonnie are now being hunted by an evil dragon slayer intent on taking their lives. Over the course of the four books, Billy and Bonnie establish a strong friendship, and together they go through many dangerous and exciting adventures learning about a past filled with dragons-turned-human, traveling through both heaven and hell, and coming to understand just what plan God has for their lives.

If you have never read these books, then I heartily suggest you do so when you get the chance. They are by far some of the best I have ever read; I would easily put them in my top 10 list. And that's just the first series!

The second series--Oracles of Fire--is even better than the first. It's another four books, and while we are introduced to many new, amazing characters, Billy and Bonnie (along with their friends Walter and Ashley and more) are still a big part of the story. The first book in the Oracles of Fire is called Eye of the Oracle, and it starts with the Flood in Noah's time, leading all the way to the present, with Saphira usually as the main character. We follow Saphira through her journey as a lowly slave girl that finds love in the eyes of her Savior. Her tale is a sad yet lovely one, and she is probably one of my favorite characters ever.

Bryan Davis has a true talent for writing. With his many complex, realistic characters that each have a personality of their own and his magnificent plotlines that have you on the edge of your seat the whole way through, I guarantee these books will steal your heart and ignite your imagination.

Are you ready for a twisting, suspenseful adventure full of secrets kept by dragons and dangerous villains seeking to cover the world in darkness? Then these books are for you.

Because, of course, we know that the light always prevails.

And with Bryan Davis as the author, the story is bound to leave you wanting more.

Did you know that Hogan is the master at falling down the stairs?!?!

Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury Book Review~ Michelle Pell

Unlocked ~ Karen Kingsbury

4 out of 5

 

Ella Renoylds feels like her life is complete. Her dad is a major league baseball player, her boyfriend is the star of the high school basketball team, and she just won the lead role in the school play.

But as she witnesses her boyfriend, Jake, cruelly teasing and bullying an autistic kid, Ella realizes her life needs to change. She breaks up with Jake and befriends the autistic boy, named Holden. But she didn’t know that their newfound friendship would blossom into something beautiful. She also didn’t know that Holden already knows her better than anyone, even her mother. All she knew was that there was something familiar in those deeply gorgeous blue eyes.

Through her friendship with Holden, Ella begins to see that her school, Fulton High, needs a drastic transformation. But she doesn’t know where to start.

That is until a horrible tragedy strikes their school and Ella is determined to do something about it. She decides to start with Holden, perfecting their relationship and helping him trust her. Ella resolves to do everything she can to get Holden in to the Spring musical, because she knows he loves music. Ella thinks that if anything will get through to Holden it’s music.

Together, Ella and Holden will discover that true love and acceptance can break through any barriers. Even the seemingly unbreakable barriers of autism.

Did you know that Michelle loves French Vanilla Lattes?!

The Hunger Games Book Review~ Michelle Pell

The Hunger Games ~ Suzanne Collins

5 out of 5 stars! Amazing!

Oh my, I don’t think I can fit enough praise, as this book deserves, into just one review! At first, I was a little hesitant to read this series because I’m not a huge fan of fantasy and that’s what I thought this book was. But it was so much more….

Set in the country of Panem, where the ruins of North America once existed, this is where the government, working in a central city called the Capitol, holds power. This story is about sacrifice, survival, betrayal, and the power of love.

Katniss Everdeen is just a girl living in District 12. But she has one huge responsibility on her shoulders. She has to support, and ultimately keep alive her mother and dear sister, Primrose.

She does this by going out every morning and hunting, then taking what she’s hunt and trading and selling it, even though it goes against all the rules and she could go to jail, even die. Just for trying to keep her family alive. But when her sister is chosen to be the tribute for the next Hunger Games, Katniss makes the ultimate sacrifice for the ones she loves. She volunteers to go, as a tribute, in her sister’s place. “In the book, the Hunger Games are an annual event where one boy and one girl aged 12 to 18 from each of the 12 districts surrounding the Capitol are selected to compete in a televised battle in which only one person can survive.”

During the next few days, Katniss is trained in survival skills, and even how to act in public because the Games will be filmed on live television and the whole world is required to watch. These weeks of the Games, will be some of the hardest times of her life. Nothing, nothing could have prepared her for what she’s about to experience, and she can’t trust anyone. Not even herself.

Will Katniss be able to survive and outwit all the other tributes, or will she become just another person one the dead list?

Did you know that Michelle LOVES Reese's?!

Like Dandelion Dust~ Michelle Pell

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Movie Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT6olxrZUJs

As four-year old Joey sat on the living room floor, playing with his trucks, he had no idea that the conversation that his mother, Wendy Porter, was having on the phone in the kitchen would potentially change his life forever. On the other hand, Wendy almost couldn’t believe her ears! Joey was adopted and the call was from a social worker in Ohio. Joey’s birth mother wanted her son back! She said it was a mistake, the father never legally signed the papers. And now, after almost five years she wanted to remove him from the only home he’d ever known? This couldn’t be happening…could it?

Wendy and her husband, Jack will stop at nothing to keep their son. But Wendy had no idea how far Jack would take it. Will Jack’s crazy scheme to save their child work, or will they not only lose him, but their family and everything they’ve ever known.

 

Did you know that Haylie and Michelle were friends before Lilies started?! They met on Susie.com

Michelle's Top Books

Non-Fiction

“Paperdoll” (Natalie Lloyd)

This book is fantastic! Natalie talks about real issues girls in our culture today are struggling with, like the pressure to be perfect, loneliness, betrayal, self-image, and placing our worth in guys. Then she parallels them to the story of the Women at the Well in John 4 and shows how similar we really are to her. And just like Jesus reached out to her in her time of grief and need, He reaches out to us each and every day. A perfect book for a girl’s small group or for personal study.

“The Fitting Room” (Kelly Minter)

Join Kelly Minter as she dissects Colossians 3:12. She gives a new meaning to each of the virtues listed in the book and gives meaningful and practical advice as well as insight for applying them to our own lives. Another great book for a small group or personal study.

“Dreaming of Dior” (Charlotte Smith) Charlotte Smith had already owned more than enough fabulous dresses in her lifetime. She had lived life to the fullest in London, Paris, and New York, something I can only dream about. Then she found out she had inherited a priceless collection of vintage clothing from her godmother. “But when she unearthed her godmother’s book of stories, the true value of what she had been given hit home. This wasn’t merely a collection of beautiful things; it was a collection of lives.”

Classics

“Sense and Sensibility” (Jane Austen) Immerse yourself in Jane Austen’s brilliant tale of two sisters searching for love. One is ruled by sense and doing the best for herself and family even when it might be hard. The other, governed by her heart, allows it to lead her on a journey that will change her life. Join them as they struggle through poverty, betrayal and hurt.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” (Harper Lee)

A seeming simple story of a girl growing up in a small town in Alabama, this book will truly capture your heart. When Atticus Finch’s wife died he was left with two children to raise. Grow up with Scout and Jem, and let the lessons they learn and the struggles they encounter, touch your life as well.

“Christy” (Catherine Mitchell)

After hearing a missionary speak at her church about the dire need for volunteers in the Smoky Mountains, Christy signs herself up, not fully aware of what she has just gotten herself into. But when she leaves her fancy home to live in a “cabin in the woods,” she believes it’s to teach to children. But she soon finds out, God sent her there to be taught some lessons the best school in the country couldn’t teach.

Teen Fiction

“The Katie Weldon Series” (Robin Jones Gunn) Did you read the Christy Miller series? Ever wonder what happened to Christy’s best friend, Katie? Well here’s your chance to find out: Katie struggles with discovering God will for her life regarding her college major and the wonderful relationship she’s currently in. Join Katie on the up and downs of college life and the seemingly unnecessary drama each of us seems to encounter everyday of our lives.

“The Maya Davis Series” (Erynn Mangum)

The brilliant second series from Erynn Mangum, this one is just as amazing as the first. Maya’s life seems to be going just dandy, that is until her roommate starts dating her high school roommate, her rival brother moves back to town with his perfect wife, and her best friend, Jack, starts acting strange around her. Maya has to return to God for the guidance and direction she needs, along with the strength to deal with struggles everyday life.

“Brides of Webster County” (Wanda E. Brunstetter)

There are four books in this series and each one as great as the next. Wanda E. Brunstetter introduces new concepts in Amish books, and brings the variety that I find many of them are lacking these days. You will love her heart-felt portrayal of family, love and following God’s leading in your life.

Historical Fiction

“Daughters of Boston Series” (Julie Lessman)

Set in the early 1900’s, Julie Lessman takes you on a journey from Boston to Ireland and back several times. Filled with intriguing twists and turns, you will be plunged into a wonderful story of longing, trust, betrayal and the importance of family.

“Roses for Mama” (Janette Oke) When both her mother and father die, fourteen year old Angela Peterson and her older brother Thomas, are left to raise the younger ones. But as the children grow, the questions and challenges intensify, and at times feel overwhelming. She does not know a bigger challenge is yet to come.

“She Walks in Beauty” (Siri Mitchell)

Clara Carter lives in New York City in the 1890's during the Gilded Age. As a young lady, just about to make her "debut," her days are filled with what most girls would love: dress fitting, shopping, dancing lessons, and suitor. But Clara is different. She doesn't find pleasure in all the balls and operas, but just feels stress. Stress to be the most beautiful, the most accomplished, and the one everyone is taken with. Pressured by her father and aunt to acquire the most-eligible bachelor in the city, also to deny her best friend, Clara feels pulled in every direction. Will Clara give up the only man she ever loved and her one true friend, just to please family?

Fantasy

“The Mysterious Benedict Society” (Trenton Lee Stewart)

“Princess Academy” (Shannon Hale) When the royal officials come to Miri’s village on the rocky slopes of Mount Eskel, Miri was not prepared for what they were going to announce. A somewhat modern-day version of the story of Esther, Miri is taken down to the valley, along with all other girls in her village, to partake in a season of training; training to be the next princess. Miri finds herself confronting the bitter rivalry among the girls and her conflicting desires to be chosen as the next princess. But when danger comes to the academy, it is Miri who must find a way to save her classmates – and the future of their beloved village.

“A Wrinkle in Time” (Madeleine L’Engle) On a dark and stormy night a stranger comes to the Murray house and beckons Meg, her Charles Wallace and their friend Calvin O’Keefe on a “most dangerous and extraordinary adventure – one that will threaten their lives and our universe.”

Did you know that Michelle loves vintage jewelry?!

"Answering the Guy Questions" by Leslie Ludy ~ Book Review by Michelle Pell

Leslie Ludy is a best -selling author and along with her husband has authored more than a dozen books. She is one of my personal favorites because of the way she writes in a direct way without beating around the bush.

"Answering the Guy Questions" takes an in-depth look at how a typical "modern man" lives and acts in contrast to how a "Christ-built warrior poet" lives his life.

Leslie gives every girl reading her book practical ways to become a heroic women of God while shaping men into princes, how to help guys rise above sexual sin, and guidance for treating guys in everyday life.

Ludy packs the book with hard hitting truths and relevant Scriptures that inspire you and spur you on.

This book helps you believe that there is a Christ-built man for you, reaffirms the desire to wait and save everything you have for him, and reassures you that your standards are not too high.

Using her personal story as an example, Leslie is able to deliver the truth that waiting for the man God has for you is the best way to be assured of a truly romantic, wonderful, long-lasting love story of your own.

"Mr. Darcy's Diary" Amanda Grange~ A Book Review by Michelle Pell

 

Amanda Grange has written diaries for almost every Jane Austen male hero, but this is my personal favorite.

I love that she uses direct quotes from the book Pride and Prejudice, but still uses imagination in telling about the times when Darcy is away from Hertfordshire.

 

She skillfully depicts Darcy struggling with himself over the fact that he's falling madly in love with Elizabeth and the fact that she is so far below him and her family is unbearable.

I was very impressed with the way Amanda Grange wrote the book so that even those who have never heard the story of Pride and Prejudice would still be able to follow what is happening and still enjoy it immensely.

 

If you know the story of Pride and Prejudice, you know about how Mr. Darcy "broke up" the relationship of his friend and Elizabeth's sister. In reading this book you come to a better understanding of Darcy's reasoning and how he really believed Jane Bennet to be indifferent. He did it to protect his friend's heart.

You will experience pain as you share in Darcy's pain and overwhelming joy when he is successful.

The tone of the book will ring true for Pride and Prejudice fans, and will be a delightful read for a new crop of Jane Austen admirers .

Talk of the Town by Lisa Wingate~ A Book Review by Michelle Pell

Lisa Wingate is a inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and bestselling author of multiple books. The first book in her “Daily, Texas” series, Talk of the Town, contains important life lessons. The book portrays a small town that doesn't seem like much, but when all the townspeople band together to help a young girl, amazing things can happen.

Everyone knows that to make a good story there needs to be conflict. And boy, does this book have conflict. One of the main characters, Mandalay, feels like her life is going okay when all of a sudden life hits her with one problem after another.

An aspect of the book which I really like is how the author writes the story from two different people's points of view: one, an elderly resident of Daily, the other, a young, aspiring TV producer.

You can really get involved in this book because of how the author makes the characters people to whom you can relate. Whether you're a young girl trying to help her family, a young woman not knowing exactly what to do with her life, or an elderly woman thinking her life is almost over but finding out it could be just beginning.

I'm sure that as soon as you read this book, you won't be able to wait to get the next one, just like me.

 

 

Must Have Books and Cd's~ Book and CD Reviews by Michelle Pell

During this Christmas season I wanted to tell you three of my must-have books and Cd's. These are great ideas for Christmas presents and for you to ask for also!

Books:

Dreaming of Dior by Charlotte Smith

This book is packed full with beautiful illustrations of the most gorgeous dresses and gowns I have ever set eyes on. The pages are lined with pieces from 1790 all the way to 1995 fashion. This book is a must have for any fashion-loving girl.

And The Bride Wore White by Dannah Gresh

“Seven secrets to sexual purity".The subtitle to this book tells just what's in it. Seven practical ways to keep your purity in a world that's telling you it's okay to give yourself away. This book is like a breath of fresh air.

Hallie's Heart by Shelly Beach

A heart-felt tale of two women, this book shows how two girls, coming from hurting homes and struggling with life, can help each other heal and together find renewal in God.

Music:

WOW New and Next

This CD came out in the beginning of this year and has 12 up and coming songs. Artists such as Chris August, Kerrie Roberts, and Satellites and Sirens sing about winning the Christian battle, singing glory, and how God is our anchor. This CD is super cheap, priced at only $2.99 or free with any WOW purchase at most stores.

Kari Jobe

Kari has a sweet, clear, beautiful voice that is restful and calming. The songs on her CD are filled with lyrics singing praise and glory to our heavenly Father. On her CD is also my absolute favorite worship song, Revelation Song. She sings it beautifully.

The Light Meets the Dark - Tenth Avenue North

Some of the most popular songs on this CD include Healing Begins and You Are More. Tenth Avenue North brings a fresh, unique sound to the Christian music industry, and I love that their music is filled with verses straight from Scripture.

Lies Young Women Believe~ "On Our Nightstand"~ A Book Review by Michelle Pell

Lies Young Women Believe by Dannah Gresh and Nancy Leigh DeMoss 

Author Background

Dannah Gresh is the author of the bestselling book, And The Bride Wore White. She is also the author of the Secret Keeper series and Pursuing the Pearl.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss is also a bestselling author of the book Lies Women Believe, directed toward adult women.

We all know what it feels like. . . . those little voices inside our head telling us, “You're not good enough,” or “It'll be okay. Just this one time.”

In this book, Dannah and Nancy uncover 25 lies that are deceiving many young girls out there. They provide hard-core truths that counter the lies, truths to help young girls who are struggling to get out of bondage. They share true life stories from girls they've interviewed, along with stories from their own past. We learn how, through the Word of God, they were able to uncover truths opposing the many lies they believed as young girls.

The authors address lies about God, Satan, Ourselves, Guys, Relationships, Faith, Sin, Media, and the Future. Each category includes hard-hitting scriptures that inspire you, testimonies of girls who have struggled with the same things as you, and practical ways to counteract the lies swarming in your head.

They tell you how to stop fueling lies, how to find freedom from lies, and the truth that sets you free.

Lies covered include:

“God should fix my problems.”

“Beautiful girls are worth more.”

“I need a boyfriend.”

“Everyone at church is judging me.”

“I can't overcome my sins.”

“What I do now doesn't affect the future.”

At the end of the book there is a section that lists 25 lies with the scriptural truths that prove them wrong, ready to tear out and put in your locker, on the mirror, or somewhere that you will see it everyday.

Through Waters Roar~ On Our Nightstand~ Book Review by Michelle Pell

Through Waters Roar by Lynn Austin

This book follows three generations. It takes place during the Civil War on through World War I. The faith in God the characters have and their strong personality, captivates you as you read. The book starts with the third generation, a girl, who, while siting in a jail cell, remembers all the stories her mother and grandmother told her about their childhood. All while trying to figure out how she landed herself in jail in the first place. She remembers how her grandmother told her stories about her great-grandmother and how she broke the law and showed great courage hiding slaves and being a part of the underground railroad during the Civil War. She remembers how fervently her grandmother fought for the prohibition of alcohol in the United States, and how her mothers worked hard for the suffrages' cause. This book gives you a first hand look into the lives of woken of that day, and you see how greatly the duties and expectations of women have changed.


Here is the description from the back of the book...

Harriet Sherwood has always adored her grandmother. But when Harriets decided to follow in her grandmother's independent footsteps, she certainly never expected to follow them to jail! Nor did she expect her childhood enemy and notorious school bully, Tommy O'Reilly to be the arresting officer.


Languishing in a jail cell, Harriet has plenty of time to sift through the memories of three generations of women who have preceded her. As each story emerges, the strength of her family--and their deep faith in the God of justice an righteousness--brings Harriet to the discovery of her own goals and motives for pursuing them.